Pigafetta and the Giant Clam
Antonio Pigafetta was an Italian scholar and explorer. He joined the expedition to find a western route to the Spice Islands in 1519 led by explorer Ferdinand Magellan. This was to be an epic and dangerous voyage which resulted in the first expedition to sail around the world. Pigafetta was one of just 18 men and one ship that was left three years later, from the 240 men and three ships which set sail. Many gave up after a year. Magellan did not survive.
After his adventure, Pigafetta returned home to the Republic of Venice. His experiences were copied, handwritten, and distributed to the monarchs of Europe in his “Report on the First Voyage Around the World” (Relazione del primo viaggio intorno al mondo). It’s the first documented use of the words Pacific Ocean (Oceano Pacifico) on a map.
His hand-written journal is also the first written description of the Giant Clam. Here’s an example in the Museo di Storia Naturale di Venezia. I’ve studied handwritten copies of his journal but the ancient handwriting, and the use of Italian and French, have so far defeated me in finding exactly what he said about them.
I’m assuming he was as impressed then as I am now.
The natural world is wonderful. Make sure to go out and explore it.
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